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Lead is a known reproductive toxicant in humans and animals. Data on cadmium reproductive effects in humans are inconclusive, and in female animals are lacking. More information on the toxicokinetics and toxicity of Pb and Cd during the reproductive period and in developing young is needed. Experimental studies on rats conducted in laboratories in Croatia and in the USA separately and as collaborative research show that Pb or Cd have effects on reproductive function. Chronic or subchronic oral Pb or Cd exposure of the dams causes decreased pup weight and survival, and depressed serum progesterone concentration in Cd‐exposed dams at the term. No paternally mediated Pb effects were found in offspring. Organ Pb or Cd accumulation was accompanied by changes in essential element concentrations in both dam and foetus. Acute in vivo and in vitro exposure to Cd had specific effects on gonadal steroidogenesis in both males and females. Proposes possible sites of action of Cd in the steroidogenic pathway.